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MN CropCast: What's New in Weed Management Part 2 - Herbicide application technologies

In part two of this special weed management series, hosts Dave and Seth shift their focus from the chemistry of weed control to the cutting-edge application technologies revolutionizing the field. They discussed with Doctors Peters and Sarangi how artificial intelligence, robotics, and precision herbicide application equipment are changing the way growers target and eliminate weeds. From laser-wielding robots to high-voltage currents and the latest advancements from major equipment manufacturers, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the high-tech tools available to optimize crop management, improve efficiency, and reduce overall chemical usage. Key Topics Covered: Smart Sprayers and Camera Tech : The group discussed camera-based smart spray technology that accurately identifies weeds and directs herbicide application. They discuss the opportunities for this new technology for row-crop farmers. Robotic and Drone Applications : An introductory discussion about how targeted appli...
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MN CropCast: What's New Weed Management Part 1 - Herbicide technologies

In this episode of Minnesota CropCast, hosts Dave and Seth welcome two Extension Weed Specialists: Dr. Tom Peters, NDSU and U of MN Sugarbeet Weed Extension Specialist, and Dr. Debalin Sarangi, U of MN Extension Weed Specialist for corn and soybeans. Together, they dive into the latest field crop herbicides and modes of action available for the 2026 season and beyond, offering advice on managing some of the state's toughest weed challenges. Key Topics Covered: Tackling Problem Weeds : The group discusses targeted strategies for controlling aggressive, yield-robbing weeds like waterhemp and giant ragweed in corn, soybean, and sugarbeet systems. The Power of Multiple Sites of Action : Drs. Peters and Sarangi share research results demonstrating that pre-emergence (PRE) herbicides containing two or three sites of action deliver greater, more consistent control and biomass reduction of waterhemp and giant ragweed compared to single-site PRE options. Herbicide Updates: including -- Conv...
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Spring fertilizer outlook: How is price volatility impacting input planning in 2026?

Early April means it's time for the spring fertilizer outlook here on the Nutrient Management Podcast . Our panel of four specialists and researchers begin by discussing current field conditions throughout Minnesota. World events affecting farmers and other ag professionals are top-of-mind right now. How is price volatility impacting input planning - or is it? Should farmers consider changes to their management plans, and /or potentially cut back on specific inputs? If so, which ones and why? Does soil testing become more important during times when other costs are high? As our panelists talk with farmers across Minnesota, what silver linings and bright spots have they noticed in today's ag environment, and why is it important to keep these in mind? All this and much more on today's episode. Read the full transcript Guests: Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato) Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul) Jeff Vetsch, Lead SROC researcher (Was...
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The manure mini-playlist: 3 podcast episodes from Advancing Nitrogen Smart

Did you know that the Advancing Nitrogen Smart podcast series has episodes which focus exclusively on manure? Learn about manure's nutrient characteristics, potential pros and cons, and its role in a comprehensive nitrogen management strategy in these three episodes. Join Brad Carlson, Extension educator and Melissa Wilson, Extension manure nutrient management specialist as they discuss manure management, testing, safety measures, documentation, rules and more for Minnesota farmers and ag professionals. Episode 1. Fall manure application: Optimal strategies for Minnesota farmers Brad and Melissa discuss fall manure application. What are the most important dos and don'ts of fall application? How much time can nitrification inhibitors buy you after application? What's the optimum soil temperature for application, and what if you can't wait? What are characteristics of manure from different sources, and how can they work to your advantage? Originally aired October 2, 2024...
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Wheat fields needed for 2026 western summer pest surveys

Anthony Hanson, Extension Educator - Field Crops Integrated Pest Management (hans4022@umn.edu), Angie Peltier, Extension Educator - Field Crops, &  Jochum Wiersma, Extension small grains specialist.  Since 2011, University Minnesota Extension has conducted a small grains insect and disease field survey in western Minnesota as part of a collaboration with North Dakota State University. This effort has been funded by the Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council through wheat check-off dollars to inform producers and the research community of the presence of disease and pests (Fig. 1). This effort relies on  field locations volunteered by Minnesota wheat farmers .   Figure 1. Severe and widespread true armyworm infestations were found by scouts during late Julyin 2025 that resulted in yield loss due to defoliation or head clipping just prior to harvest. Photo: Jordan Hunnicutt, 2025 IPM scout. Through this program, UMN Extension gives individual alerts...
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Active sensors & variable rate nitrogen: What MN farmers should know

Brad Carlson and Jeff Vetsch talk about variable rate sensors on today's  Advancing Nitrogen Smart Podcast  episode. What is meant by the term 'active sensors' and what data do active sensors capture? Which specific brands of sensors have the Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC) researched, and how did they perform? What stage does corn need to reach before sensors can best contribute to variable rate decision making? How do other field variables like soil texture or irrigation systems contribute (or not) to variable rate sensing? Join us today for part one of a two-part discussion on variable rate technology with Brad and Jeff. Read the full transcript Guests: Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato) Jeff Vetsch, Lead researcher, Southern Research and Outreach Center (Waseca) Additional resources: 5 Things to consider for sensor-based nitrogen management Variable rate nitrogen and nitrogen advisory tools: Do they work? Variable rate technol...
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Registration is open for the Cover Crop Academy!

By Liz Stahl, Extension Educator - Crops, Phyllis Bongard, Educational Content Development & Communications Specialist, and Anna Cates, Extension Specialist in Soil Health Participants collecting biomass in small research plots during May 2025 meeting. Register now to reserve your spot with the University of Minnesota Cover Crop Academy! This innovative program is a year-long, hybrid course offered at three statewide locations during 2026-2027: Westport, Waseca, and Lamberton. If you advise farmers as a crop consultant, educator, or agronomist, or work for Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), or other agencies, this program is for you. Participants from the 2024-25 session claimed increased confidence around cover crop agronomics, enjoyed watching the field plots develop and planned to make use of their new connections with other advisors in their area. This unique opportunity takes a deep dive into cover crop challenges a...
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